We are thrilled to announce the installation of solar panels on our beautiful campus. This 56.550kW system of SunPower solar modules and SolarEdge inverters and optimizers are designed to offset 100% of our annual electricity usage and are a huge step towards making our campus more sustainable! Read more about the project here.
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It's the SCOOP for January 28, 2021
Your weekly news from Santa Barbara Middle School
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Dear SBMS Families,
Thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we add the rain factor to our operations. We decided to prioritize in-person instruction on rainy days even though it can be a bit more challenging. We were lucky to get out on the trails last week, but the weather didn’t stop a fun day of electives and learning this week. RC cars raced their vehicles down the hallways before class and student renditions of It’s Raining, It’s Pouring, echoed out of the windows. The half-day schedule seems to be flowing well so far and we will continue to tweak and adjust our protocols as we learn what works and what doesn’t. Please remember to send your child with extra layers during these winter months. With the windows open for optimal ventilation, the school building gets chilly and the rain makes it even colder.
As we know, Governor Gavin Newsom lifted the CA stay at home order for all counties of California this week. Dr. Henning Ansorg, from our local county health department, has released an updated health order confirming the lifted stay at home order and indicating that Santa Barbara will return to the Widespread purple tier. As we mentioned, this does not affect what we are doing at SBMS and will not change any of our COVID protocols.
If your student does present symptoms of COVID, even if you don’t believe it to be the virus, they need to stay home. They may return to school with a negative PCR test, or a doctor’s note, after 24 hours symptom-free. Please note that this is a shorter return window than the previous 72 hour period. As always, we need to stay vigilant and follow protocols so we can stay open. We have made it this far and look forward to continuing in-person learning with this wonderful community.
With gratitude,
Brian, Bianca and the SBMS Staff
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RAINY DAY SCHEDULES
There is a high chance that next Tuesday, February 2, will be a rainy day and will follow the half-day rain schedule. We will send out a reminder next Monday confirming this decision.
A reminder that tomorrow is a normal Friday pick-up following Town Meeting.
- 6th Grade: 12:25pm
- 7th Grade: 12:35pm
- 8th Grade: 12:45pm
- 9th Grade: 12:25pm
Thank you for your patience and help with keeping us open even during this storm!
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CUPS AND QUESTIONS
Thank you to those of you who joined us this morning for Cups and Questions. You can watch a recording of the meeting in the HUB on the Parent Association Resource Board.
FROM THE BUSINESS OFFICE
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Thanks to all returning families for getting their Financial Aid Applications in. Keep in mind that supporting documents are required.
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If you need assistance with the application or uploading documents, please contact Anne at anne@sbms.org.
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For questions about the award process, please contact Maida at maida@sbms.org
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Look for an email on Wednesday, February 10 notifying you that your 2021-22 Enrollment Contract is available through Smart Tuition. We issue enrollment contracts to all current students. If you know that your student will not return for the 2021-22 year, please notify Brandi at Brandi@sbms.org of your decision once you receive the contract.
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Contract completion and non-refundable deposits are due no later than Friday, February 19.
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Note regarding 'Non-Refundable Deposits': If your student is applying to another school, academy, etc. with an acceptance notification date that is later than February 19, please contact Maida to receive approval of potential refund of your tuition deposit. We are happy to offer extensions based on the particular due date that is affecting your decision with prior approval from the Business Office.
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THE WEEK AHEAD
Sunday, January 31
Monday, February 1
Tuesday, February 2
3:30-4:15pm Art Class with Sophie (Join here)
Wednesday, February 3
Thursday, February 4
3:30-4:15pm Sophie's Yearbook Class ( Join here)
Friday, February 5
11:55pm Town Meeting
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⚠️ WEEKLY SAFETY UPDATE ⚠️
Message From SB County Public Safety Officials on Incoming Storm Safety
Santa Barbara County public safety officials are reminding the community that a significant incoming winter storm has been predicted that could bring long-lasting rainfall, strong winds, and especially cold temperatures throughout the county and the region.
Public safety agencies are working closely together to monitor incoming storms, assess potential impacts and take actions needed to protect lives and property. It is important that community members are also prepared to protect themselves and their properties, staying informed and are ready to act if recommended to do so.
"Now is the time to prepare or update your family emergency plan, refresh your emergency kit and protect your home from potential flooding," said Kelly Hubbard, Director of OEM. "Keep in mind any additional needs of individuals in your family with access and functional needs and other disabilities. Plan ahead for pets and livestock. And consider any COVID-19 related updates to your emergency kit, such as face coverings and hand sanitizer."
Public safety agencies work closely together to monitor incoming storms with the potential for significant flooding and debris flows, and to inform the public of necessary actions (such as evacuation or moving to higher ground). Although public safety officials are not asking residents to take such actions at this time, residents should have a plan to protect themselves and their family, including if it is not safe to evacuate. This can include going to a higher floor in your home, to a neighbor who lives on higher ground, or sheltering in place.
County Sheriff Bill Brown added, "If at any time people feel unsafe or threatened by a storm, or any other hazard, they should relocate to a safe area. Do not wait for an alert or public safety personnel to tell you to leave."
"'Ready, Set, Go!' is a nationwide program designed to guide residents through steps to take to ensure they are prepared in case of an approaching fire; the same idea can be applied to flood preparedness," said County Fire Chief Mark Hartwig. "Have a go-kit ready at all times with food and water for you and your pets, flashlights, medications, important documents, cash and other critical supplies. Stay informed of the latest weather forecasts and be prepared to leave at a moment's notice. When ordered to go, leave immediately."
Additional Preparedness Recommendations:
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Register for emergency alerts at www.readysbc.org;
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Inspect your property to determine if outdoor equipment should be moved indoors or if sandbags are needed to prevent flooding;
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Make or update an emergency kit (visit www.ready.gov/kit to learn more);
- Have an emergency plan for your household, including writing down important phone numbers, addresses, and prescriptions;
- Charge mobile and medical devices in case of a storm-induced power outage;
- Consider relocating to a hotel if you cannot drive at night or have significant mobility concerns;
- Ensure the safety of pets and animals that are usually kept outdoors; and
- Stay informed during the storm and prepared to take action should the situation in your area become unsafe.
Local public safety officials will continue to assess the situation and provide more information if conditions worsen significantly.
COVID Resources
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AT-HOME VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY WITH CORE
TO HELP GET CA VACCINATED!
CORE’s mission is to save lives and strengthen communities impacted by or vulnerable to crisis. During the pandemic, CORE has partnered with community organizations and local governments across the country to bring free COVID-19 testing to communities hard hit by the pandemic. Throughout the pandemic, CORE has provided free testing throughout the LA area, as well as other US cities. Currently, CORE is transitioning its resources to help with the vaccination rollout. CORE is operating the largest vaccination site in California at Dodgers Stadium, as well as 2 other vaccination sites in the LA area. You can read more about CORE’s COVID-19 work here: https://www.coreresponse.org/covid-19
CORE is looking for volunteers who can volunteer from home to help onboard other volunteers to work at the vaccination sites. As a CORE Home Team Volunteer, all you need is a phone, internet access, and a computer. Home volunteers are tasked with onboarding potential onsite volunteers through 10-15 minute scripted phone calls. The time commitment is very flexible — home volunteers can sign up for as few or as many onboarding calls for the next workday. It is easy, you get to talk to community-minded people, and you are helping to make sure there are enough volunteers to get California vaccinated as soon as possible. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Jill Martin at jillmartinconsulting@gmail.com and she will get you in touch with CORE’s home team coordinator.
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WIDER THAN THE SKY 2021 WITH
KEYNOTE SPEAKER AMANDA GORMAN
Wider Than The Sky 2021 will be a two-day event, held online from 10AM - 3PM PST on Saturday, April 10 and Sunday, April 11, featuring workshops, speakers, readings, poetry games, open mics, and a celebration of poetic community. The keynote speaker is Amanda Gorman and the festival is free to attend and open to all students aged 13-18, including those outside of the LA area. RSVP by March 15, 2021. https://www.widerthanthesky.org/festival
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AXXESS BOOKS FOR SALE
SBMS is still selling Axxess Books! And this year it is easier than ever to order one. Simply go to axxesscard.com/fundraising, add a book or books to your cart. At check out, it will ask you if you are buying from a non-profit or a school. Select the school option from the drop-down menu and then choose SBMS.
What's even more exciting is that SBMS will receive $13 per book purchased to put towards our fundraising efforts and an additional 5 cents every time the buyer use the Axxess card or phone app to buy something. Memberships will be mailed directly to your home. We will not be offering pick-up on campus at this time.
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LICK THE PLATE
Lick The Plate will be hosted only on Thursday of this upcoming week. Sounds delicious!
Sunday, January 31 from 5-7 pm
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SBMS BOOK CLUB
The next book club read will be“Untamed” by Glennon Doyle and we will be meeting to discuss on Monday, March 8 from 9:30-10:30am.
Soulful and uproarious, forceful and tender, Untamed is both an intimate memoir and a galvanizing wake-up call. It is the story of how one woman learned that a responsible mother is not one who slowly dies for her children, but one who shows them how to fully live. It is the story of navigating divorce, forming a new blended family, and discovering that the brokenness or wholeness of a family depends not on its structure but on each member’s ability to bring her full self to the table. And it is the story of how each of us can begin to trust ourselves enough to set boundaries, make peace with our bodies, honor our anger and heartbreak, and unleash our truest, wildest instincts so that we become women who can finally look at ourselves and say: There She Is.
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YOUTHWELL WORKSHOP MOVIE SCREENING
Parents, students, educators, and community members,
Join us for a FREE online movie screening of Angst followed by a Q&A with a panel of local experts and Dr. Jerry Bubrick from the Child Mind Institute. Many adults and youth have experienced anxiety living through the pandemic this past year. The film includes a special interview with Michael Phelps and helps people identify and understand the symptoms of anxiety.
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FROM THE PARENT ASSOCIATION
February Parent Association Meeting
Wednesday, 2/17 at 7:30 pm
Featuring Dr. Emily Eccles talking about the sex/health ed curriculum being taught to SBMS students in the month of February.
Here's a link to the guest speaker from January's meeting, Dr. Francie White, who spoke about how to help teens develop a healthy relationship between eating and nutrition.
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ON THE HORIZON
Please note that dates and events are subject to change and updates will be communicated. **Subject to SBMS COVID-19 Committee & Public Health Guidance**
February 2021
Friday, February 5: Admissions Applications Due for New Families
Friday, Feb. 12 - Monday, Feb. 15: Presidents Holiday Weekend - No School**
Wednesday, February 17: 7:30pm Parent Association Meeting
March 2021
Thursday, March 11: 7:30pm Parent Association Meeting
Monday, March 15 – Friday, March 26: Spring Break
Friday, March 26: Return From Travel
Monday, March 29 - Friday, April 2: Distance Learning Week
Monday, April 5: Return to In-Person Classes
April 2021
Saturday, April 24: Songfest
Monday, April 26: No School / Faculty In-Service
May 2021
Monday, May 24 - Friday, June 4: All-School EOY Experiential Education Weeks
Monday, May 31: Memorial Day
June 2021
Wednesday, June 16: Last day of school for grades 6, 7, 8**
Friday, June 18: Rites of Passage
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